Pearl jewellery is a classic bridal choice for a reason. Offering a combination of vintage glamour and modish style, the soft lustre of pearls will enhance your skin’s natural glow on your special day, naturally complementing your unique features.
But many brides also choose to have their bridesmaids wear pearls – and pearl necklaces or pendants are enduringly elegant options.
Whether you’re looking for a bridesmaid pearl necklace to gift someone special at your hen party, bridal shower or to wear on the day of the wedding, we’ve got the perfect design.
What to consider when choosing pearl necklaces for bridesmaids
Below, we offer our top three tips to help you distinguish the right kind of bridesmaid pearl necklace for your bridal party.
Colours
It’s likely that your bridesmaids will all have different skin tones. Choosing a pearl necklace that complements their features might seem tricky, because different colours work best on different skin tones.
That said, there are a few options that work across the board, send us a photo of your bridesmaids and we will choose the best overtone for each one.
A white pearl necklace or pendant is a timeless bridesmaid gift. As a classic and neutral choice, a white pearl design – like our white freshwater pearl and chain necklace – complements all skin tones beautifully. Grey pearl jewellery is another elegant option, as its achromatic hue pairs effortlessly with any complexion.
Not sure which pearl shade will suit your bridesmaids best? Simply send us a photo, and we’ll select the perfect overtone for each one, ensuring a beautifully coordinated look.
Black pearl necklaces are also neutral options that work for all skin shades, but they may not be for every bride. Grey pearl jewellery is another versatile choice, as grey is achromatic, meaning it complements any complexion.
If you’re looking for a bridesmaid pearl necklace that isn’t white but will work with most skin tones, pink pearls are perfect. A pink pearl pendant like our pink freshwater pearl ‘simple’ silver pendant will flatter all skin tones. Alternatively, a pink pearl necklace like our pink biwa pearl and silver chain necklace will give a subtle glow to all wearers, naturally enhancing their features.
Remember to choose a pearl necklace that matches or complements the colour of your bridesmaid dresses, too. A silver necklace like our grey biwa pearl and silver chain design works well for dresses with blue-grey tones – add our grey freshwater and seed pearl drop earrings to pick up on the pearls’ icy cool shades. Rose gold complements pink dresses, so choose a design like our white freshwater pearl ‘back to basics’ rose gold plated pendant.
Length
Pearl necklaces come in different lengths. Although pearl chokers offer a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, they don’t suit all face shapes equally, so if you want your bridesmaids to all wear the same design, they’re probably best avoided.
A princess-length necklace is the most versatile choice. Measuring 17 to 20 inches, these rest against or just below the collarbone and flatter most figures and face shapes. Pearl drop pendants or a pearl drop necklace are most likely to complement all of your bridesmaids’ distinct features and frames.
Style
What style of bridesmaid pearl necklace are you after? Classic pearls are classic for a reason. A design like our white freshwater pearl single strand necklace is versatile enough to transition from night to day, and can be worn with matching white pearl earrings.
Alternatively, a simple pearl pendant offers a subtle delicacy to any bridesmaid dress. Choose a design like our grey freshwater pearl short pendant worn with matching grey freshwater pearl ‘simple’ chain bracelet.
Remember, too, that pearl necklaces won’t work as well if your bridesmaids’ dresses have one-shoulder, halter or illusion necklines. Choose a pearl bracelet or set of pearl earrings as elegant alternatives. Strapless, sweetheart, and V-neck bridesmaid dresses will most suit a pearl necklace or pendant design.
Pearl necklaces for bridesmaids: our choices
Pearl pendants
When it comes to a bridesmaid pearl necklace, pearl pendants make an exceptional choice.
Our range of pearl ‘short’ pendants measure 14.5 inches and come in colours including white, black, and grey. Wear alone or with matching pearl stud earrings to complement the pearl colours.
If a shorter design doesn’t work for you, our ‘simple’ pendants have a longer drop length, coming in colours including classic white and fiery copper.
Meanwhile, our ‘back to basics’ designs were created with the intent to put the focus back on the pearl. A sculpted leaf hangs suspended from a matching chain coupled with pearls of various colours. Choose from a silver and white or gold plated and white design, or colour pearls including grey and black.
Pearl necklaces
As we describe above, distinguishing between the styles of pearl necklace can help you choose the best design for your bridal party.
A pearl chain necklace is subtly feminine, while a single-strand pearl necklace offers the ‘classic’ pearl look.
For a fun pop of colour, have your bridesmaids wear the same pearl drop necklace design in different colours. Ranging from pink freshwater pearl and amethyst to white freshwater pearl and apatite, these designs offer distinctive cohesion for something a little different.
Bridal pearls
Don’t forget about the bridal pearls!
Although your bridesmaids will cherish a pearl necklace of their own as a keepsake of your special day, a pearl bridal necklace is guaranteed to add the finishing touch to your wedding gown.
Luxury diamond and South Sea pearl jewellery are an exquisite choice and highly sought after. Choose a design like our white South Sea pearl and diamond accent ‘tsarina’ pendant worn with matching white South Sea pearl and diamond ‘tsarina’ stud earrings. If a pendant design isn’t for you, our white Akoya and South Sea pearl necklace with diamond leaf centrepiece is an eye-catching centrepiece – don’t forget the matching earrings.
Get in contact if you’re looking for bespoke bridal pearl jewellery. Combining our expertise with your unique design, we’ll work with you to create a piece of pearl jewellery that you’ll cherish on your special day and beyond.
Find your bridesmaids pearl necklaces they’ll treasure forever
Book a personal consultation with Coleman Douglas Pearls to treat your bridal party to pearl necklaces that complement their unique features. With over 30 years of experience, we’ll help you choose perfectly matched pearls that uniquely enhance all your ladies’ natural beauty.
